Foundations of Modern America Study Notes

Course Introduction

Overview of the Course

  • Course Title: History 120, Foundations of Modern America, Section A.
  • Instructor: Dr. Jonathan Atkins.
  • The course addresses the history of the United States, often referred to as American history.
  • Purpose: Aimed at all students to provide a deeper understanding of historical themes that may not have been covered fully in high school.

Class Motivation

  • Benefits of an early class: Students can have the rest of the day free after the lecture.
  • Encouragement to engage and participate actively in class discussions.

Course Structure

Roster Call

  • Dr. Atkins calls roll to confirm attendance and proper registration.
    • Classroom management includes pronouncing names correctly and maintaining engagement among students.

Lecture Format

  • The course is primarily lecture-based, encouraging students to develop listening and note-taking skills.
  • Students are urged to ask questions to promote a discussion-based learning atmosphere.

Themes of American History

Concept of History
  • History is not merely about memorizing names, dates, and facts.
  • It emphasizes human experiences and interpretations from evidence left behind.
  • Historical questions should be rooted in patterns of human behavior rather than existential queries.
Goals of the Course
  1. Cultural Awareness: Increase general information about American history and cultural literacy.
  2. Critical Thinking: Encourage students to think critically about the past based on available evidence.
  3. Depth of Knowledge: Strive for a profound understanding of significant historical topics.

Course Logistics

Reading Materials

Required Textbook
  • Textbook: "America, a Narrative History, the 13th edition, volume 2".
  • Focus: Materials from the post-1865 period following the first exam.
  • Reading Assignments: Specific chapters assigned to refresh knowledge and prepare for lectures.

Reading Strategy

  • Purpose: Reading is not just for memorization; it's a tool for understanding main themes and preparing for class discussions.
  • Suggested approach: Read to refresh memory and context, identifying key themes rather than memorizing details.

Listening and Note-Taking

  • Listening and discerning important points from lectures will be emphasized in class to foster a respectful and engaging learning environment.

Attendance Policy

  • Attendance is crucial; more than six absences can affect class participation grades.
  • Students must engage actively during class and bring necessary materials (notebook, pen).

Course Assignments

Document Assignments
  • Two document assignments are to be submitted alongside document reactions throughout the semester.
  • Students will analyze primary sources and summarize main arguments.
Document Reactions
  • In each reaction, students will express personal insights about the readings with a focus on comprehension.
Grading Structure
  • Course requirements include three exams and one final exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions.

Thematic Content

Introduction to Colonization

  • Discussion of early colonization and establishment of the United States primarily by English settlers.
  • Reference to significant historical events, including Columbus’s voyages (1492) and early contact with Native Americans.
Spanish Colonization
  • Establishment of Spanish control following Columbus's voyages and the resulting colonization efforts.
  • Mention of the Gold and Silver rush leading to an economic boom for Spain.

Formation of English Colonies

  • Timeline of the establishment of English colonies, with Jamestown as the first permanent settlement (1607).
  • Comparison to other colonial powers (Spain, Portugal, France).
  • Emphasis on economic motivations over ideals of freedom.

Economic Systems

Mercantilism

  • Concept: Economic theory that prioritizes government regulation of the economy to benefit the nation.
    • Aimed at a favorable balance of trade, ensuring that exports exceed imports.

Production and Trade

Southern Colonies
  • Economic basis in cash crops, particularly Tobacco in the Chesapeake region and Rice in the Lower South (South Carolina).
  • Heavy reliance on slave labor to sustain agricultural production.
Middle Atlantic Colonies
  • Diverse agriculture including grains and vegetables; these areas were known as the "breadbasket" of the colonies.
  • Farmers cultivated enough surplus to sell, facilitating trade relationships with sugar-producing islands in the Caribbean.
New England Colonies
  • Economically less productive due to rocky soil and harsh climates.
  • Development of shipbuilding and fishing industries as well as reliance on trade.
  • Emphasis on community and Puritan religious values leading to social cohesion.

Conclusion of Initial Observations

  • Recap of the themes discussed concerning background knowledge necessary for understanding the foundational elements of modern America.
  • Anticipation of deeper exploration into historical events shaping the colonies and their economies in future classes.

Additional Notes

  • Summary of significant dates and events:
  1. 1492: Columbus's voyage.
  2. 1607: Settlement of Jamestown.
  3. Economic Policies: Overview of mercantilism impacting colonial development.

Call to Action

  • Students should prepare for the next class discussion and readings assigned to deepen their understanding of the foundations of Modern America. Further significant dates and historical interpretations will continue to be explored in the course.